What's Happening?
Perkins Coie is experiencing significant partner departures as it approaches a merger with Ashurst, a move expected to elevate the combined firm into the top 20 of the Am Law 100. Recently, McGuireWoods and Morrison & Foerster have announced the acquisition of several Perkins Coie partners, with McGuireWoods opening a new Seattle office and Morrison & Foerster expanding its presence in the city. These departures include key practice group leaders, indicating a substantial shift within Perkins Coie as it prepares for the merger, which is anticipated to close in the third quarter.
Why It's Important?
The partner exodus at Perkins Coie highlights the challenges and uncertainties that can accompany major mergers in the legal industry. The loss of experienced partners
and practice leaders could impact the firm's operations and client relationships. However, the merger with Ashurst presents an opportunity for growth and increased market presence, potentially offsetting these challenges. For McGuireWoods and Morrison & Foerster, the acquisition of Perkins Coie partners strengthens their capabilities and expands their geographic footprint, particularly in the competitive Seattle market.
What's Next?
As the merger with Ashurst progresses, Perkins Coie will need to manage the transition carefully to retain remaining talent and reassure clients. The firm may also seek to recruit new partners to fill the gaps left by recent departures. Meanwhile, McGuireWoods and Morrison & Foerster will focus on integrating their new partners and leveraging their expertise to enhance service offerings. The legal industry will be watching closely to see how these developments affect the competitive landscape and client dynamics.
